Afghan Judge Says Case Against Christian Flawed

(RFE/RL)
March 26, 2006 -- The Afghan judge presiding over the case of a man who could face the death penalty for converting to Christianity says the case has flaws.

The judge, Ansarullah Mawlavizada, said the case had been referred back to prosecutors for legal and technical shortcomings. The convert, Abdul Rahman, was expected to undergo a mental test on March 27 to determine if he is sane.

The case is being seen a test of Afghanistan's commitment to liberal values and threatens to create a rift between the country and its Western backers.

(Reuters, dpa)

Islam In A Pluralistic World

Islam In A Pluralistic World

A Muslim woman (left) watches a Christian procession in Madrid in March (AFP)

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CONFERENCE ON ISLAM: A major international conference on Islam concluded in Vienna in November 2005 with strong appeals from prominent Muslim leaders to recognize international terrorism as simply "terrorism." Political figures from Islamic countries, including the presidents of Iraq and Afghanistan, argued that it should never be labeled "Islamic" or "Muslim" terrorism because Islam is based on peace, dialogue, and tolerance. "Salaam" -- meaning "peace" -- was the key word of the three-day conference, titled "ISLAM IN A PLURALISTIC WORLD." Iraqi President Jalal Talibani and Afghan President Hamid Karzai used the word in their remarks to emphasize the peaceful nature of Islam. Other speakers quoted passages from the Koran to the effect that all men and women, regardless of faith, are creatures of God and should live in peace with each other without discrimination...(more)